Azerbaijani Special Forces mark 27th anniversary

The Special Forces of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defence were established on April 30, 1999. The formation of the unit involved officers and warrant officers who had taken part in the First Karabakh War.

A significant role in shaping the Azerbaijani Special Forces was played by the Turkish Armed Forces’ Special Forces Command, known as the “Bordeaux Berets.” In addition, Azerbaijani special forces have undergone training courses in centres in Pakistan, the United States, and other countries, and have repeatedly achieved high results in competitions held in the US, Türkiye, and Pakistan.

On April 29, 2015, a ceremony was held to present battle flags to newly formed special forces units.

Azerbaijan’s Special Forces units first drew wide attention during the April 2016 fighting in Karabakh, where they destroyed a large amount of enemy equipment and manpower.

During the 44-day war, the Special Forces played a key role in the liberation of Azerbaijani territories from occupation. On November 8, President Ilham Aliyev congratulated then-commander of the Special Forces Hikmat Mirzayev on the liberation of the city of Shusha.

The Patriotic War was the first in which Azerbaijan actively employed all of its special units.

The Caliber.Az editorial team congratulates the Azerbaijani Special Forces, noting that their courage and dedication to the defence of the homeland deserve the deepest respect.